People playing athletics, particularly basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer, are often interested in finding a way to increase their vertical jump. There are many drills and programs available that are specially designed for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, an athlete should at least be in good general physical condition. Here we list a few exercises that you could begin with before starting a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Prior to starting any exercises, you should warm up your muscles. Jog around for ten minutes or run up and down the stairs for a while. It is also a good idea to stretch your muscles prior to beginning your exercises. Warming up prior to doing exercises helps you improve muscle fibers that are utilized for jumping.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. Moreover, it helps maintain excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for fifteen to 30 minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Hold an overhead bar securely, with your arms about shoulder-width apart. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Holding this position, slowly pull your knees up to your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles while doing this. Maintain this position for several seconds, before lowering your legs back down. Repeat the process five times.
Knee Bends
One of the best exercises to improve the strength of your legs is with knee bends (also know as squats). Stand in an upright position – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Now, bend your knees slowly, maintaining a straight back. Crouch, in a slow action, as far down as possible. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend at the waist while keeping your legs straight. Lower yourself down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Sustain this stance for a couple seconds. Do this exercise slowly and do not “bounce” while trying to touch your toes. Repeat this thirty times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical jump. Begin with with your back flat on the floor, with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, curl your shoulders off the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to sit up. Do not “pull” on the back of your head with your hands. Concentrate on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your waist are crucial for all physical activity as it is the “core” area of your body. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you should consider a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to see which are rated the best and to get more information on How To Improve Your Vertical.